When you're at a large party always make sure you have a drink that it almost empty. It will benefit you in many ways:
First of all, if a sudden toast happens to come up, you'll have something to drink.
Secondly, hosts will feel more comfortable if they see you have something in your hands.
Finally, and this is why it should be almost empty, if you get into a conversation that you want to leave, you can chug the last sip, and tell the person you're going for a refill. Go to the bar/refill station, refill, and promptly get dragged into another (hopefully more interesting) conversation.
Stay tuned for more rather inappropriate etiquette tips.
Later
